Chapter 129:
Malcolm was notorious in Klathe—a predator behind a polished gentleman’s façade. Aside from Wesley, he was the most sought-after bachelor in high society.
Half the wealthy young women in Klathe dreamed of marrying Malcolm, while the rest set their sights on Jeffry.
Darren’s expression soured as unease settled over him. Why would the heir of the Johnson family be interested in Elena? And why had his assistant shown her such respect? Could Elena really be just a maid?
Even if Darren was slow to catch on, he sensed something wasn’t right.
Someone nudged him. “Darren, you said you’d treat us today. Why are you just standing there? Let’s go!”
His thoughts remained tangled around Elena and her unexpected connection to Malcolm. With clear reluctance, he handed over his bank card. “You all go ahead. I need to make a call. I’ll catch up.”
The others didn’t care whether Darren joined them as long as the bill was covered. With his card in hand, they left, grinning.
Darren quickly called Sylvia. The moment she answered, he demanded, “Didn’t you say Elena is working as a housemaid in Klathe?”
Sylvia’s heart skipped a beat at his abrupt question, but her tone was steady. “Yes, she’s working as a maid. Why are you asking about her so suddenly, Darren?”
Sylvia was adept at maintaining appearances, so Darren had never doubted her. He recounted everything that had happened with Elena.
For a moment, panic flashed in Sylvia’s eyes, but she feigned shock. “That’s impossible! Are you sure?”
She paused deliberately, inviting Darren to question further. “What are you trying to say?” he pressed.
After another calculated pause, Sylvia finally replied, “Elena doesn’t have any financial support. She’s all alone in a big city, and she’s vulnerable. Darren, don’t be angry. I don’t think she’s reckless—maybe she was misled. When she left home, my parents offered her money, but she refused out of pride. She grew up sheltered in the Reed family and never had to face real hardship. It’s not surprising she might struggle with such a big change.”
Darren immediately understood her implication: Elena couldn’t handle hardship and had resorted to becoming the mistress of some wealthy man. His face clouded with anger, convinced that Elena had truly lost her way.
Every journey starts at gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․c𝗈𝗆
Elena lifted her gaze and met a pair of gentle eyes that seemed to look right through her.
After escorting Elena and Lydia into the office, Larry quietly slipped away.
With a welcoming smile, Malcolm raised his hand in greeting. “Ladies, please have a seat.”
As Lydia settled into her chair, she leaned close to Elena and whispered, “Elena, this Mr. Johnson is even more handsome than any toy boy.” Malcolm’s striking appearance was hard to ignore. He wore a perfectly tailored suit that hugged his lean waist and accentuated his long legs. His open jacket offered a glimpse of well-defined abs beneath a crisp white shirt. Refined features were framed by elegant silver glasses, lending him an air of sophistication.
Behind those lenses, his emotions remained carefully guarded, but the gentle curve of his lips exuded a warmth that could melt even the coldest heart.
Elena acknowledged with a soft “Hmm,” and deliberately looked away. Malcolm was undeniably handsome—a fact impossible to deny.
